Evans leaned forward. "I am very glad to hear that..."
Ophelia slammed her fist on the table; her eyes gleamed with irritation. The present people's eyes turned on them, but she did not care. "Don't you dare say that again? You should think of ways... probably strategies to deal with them. You are their leader, and you should attain your position back."
Evans let out a dry laugh. "You are not understanding, Ophelia. These people are strong... they are like you, and you expect me? A nerd to face off with them? I commend my dad for leading, but I don't think I'm bold enough to lead... your type."
Ophelia's lips curved faintly. "You are weak."
She chose her words slowly, making Evans' brows furrow.
"What did you say?"
"You haven't fully awakened, Evans. They won't accept you like this; instead, they will challenge you and probably beat you up," she retorted, her expression serious.
Evans pondered quietly. He did not want to be involved in this madness, but he had no choice. If he withdrew, more hunters or enemies of his father would look for him, and that would put his mother's life in danger.
"So... what's next?"
The waitress returned with their coffees and placed them on the table, then left.
Ophelia studied him for a moment as she picked up her cup. "You prepare."
"For what?"
She took a sip and set the cup down on the table gently.
"To meet your pack."
Evans' gaze met hers. "Why?"
"Because you're their Alpha, duhhh," she answered back flatly. "You expect me to show up to them and present your picture to them and say, 'Hey guys, here is our Alpha using glasses...'"
"When do I meet them?"
Ophelia's smile deepened as she leaned forward slightly. "In two days."
Evans exhaled sharply, then leaned back. His phone vibrated, and he reached his hand into his pocket. His expression lightened as he stared at the screen.
"My mom. I'll be back," he said as he stood up.
"Take your time," she replied as she waved him off lazily.
Evans headed to the restroom, ignoring every gaze. The hallway to the restroom was quiet, and as he got there, he closed the door behind him. Luckily, no one was in.
The lights flickered above as he answered the call, then pressed it to his ear.
"Hello."
"Hello, dearie. How have you been? How was the lecture today?" Jane's voice replied from the other end.
"It was fine. What about you?"
"Same as you, Evans. I just got home a few minutes earlier, wanting to surprise you, but you're not back from school, are you?" she inquired calmly.
"Umm... actually, I'm done with the lecture, but I'm currently at a cafe with... a friend," he answered back.
"Ohh? A cafe and a friend? Are you trying to tell me you're on a date?"
Evans reached his head to his temple. "Umm... not really."
"I am not trying to butt in, but this is a surprise," she retorted, her tone laced with satisfaction. "It has been a while since you've spent time outside the house apart from school. I'm very glad to know that you're on a date with a friend. Take your time, dear. But be home before it's too late."
Evans nodded even though she could not see him. She had misunderstood him, but he was pleased to hear the excitement in her voice.
"Alright, Mom. I'll be home soon."
"I'll start making dinner. Bye."
"Bye."
The call ended, and Evans tucked his phone back into his pocket.
The door creaked open behind him, and Evans turned.
It was a man from the cafe standing at the doorway, watching him.
Evans walked to the door, but the man wouldn't move. He walked in, making Evans step back.
"I... I want to go out."
The man slammed the door closed, then crossed his arms. He was tall and had broad shoulders, his eyes sharp as an owl.
Each step he took was heavy and deliberate. His eyes moved to Evans' glasses, then his posture and his calm expression.
"You are the one they've been whispering about?"
Evans frowned. "Excuse me?"
The man tilted his head slightly. "I admit you have a strange scent, but you don't look like anything special."
Evans adjusted his glasses; his hand had become sweaty. "I am sorry, but I'm trying to go out. I don't understand what you're saying, and I'm not even here for this."
The man smirked. "Really? Who said you get to choose what you came here for?"
He reached forward and grabbed Evans's shirt, his grip firm.
"What... what are you doing?" Evans asked, his voice
trembling.
"Wait for it."
The man raised one of his hands to punch, but something happened. Evans' hands reacted on their own; one held the man's fist while the other withdrew the man's grip on his shirt. Both hands squeezed the man's hands hard, then a crack filled the air.
The man's smirk disappeared at once as Evans' eyes widened.
Evans did not think, nor did he hesitate. He only reacted.
Then he slammed him hard against the wall, and a loud thud echoed in the restroom. He felt an overwhelming strength in him, and he couldn't control it.
The mirror rattled slightly, and Evans' breathing deepened. His heart pounded violently in his chest, and his eyes locked on the man.
The man didn't struggle; he only smiled a slow and dark smile. "There it is. There... you are."
Evans' brows knitted. "What?"
"That power you've been suppressing. That strength you have been hiding. There is your Alpha... you can call it your wolf," the man replied as he leaned closer.
The door opened instantly, and Ophelia stood in the doorway, her gaze landing on the two men.
The word hit Evans differently. He didn't pay attention to Ophelia, who walked in and then closed the door behind her.
"What do you know about me? Have you been listening to my friend's and my conversation?" Evans questioned in a low tone.
The man slipped free and stepped back calmly.
"Your power isn't stable. If you keep acting like that, you'll draw people who shouldn't challenge you closer to you. In short, you will be exposed to the wrong people."
"What is.."
Evans made a gesture to Ophelia, and she kept quiet immediately.
The air shifted as Evans stepped forward. "I will ask again... what do you know about me?"